The Thompson Brothers have been at it again. They’re passion for whisky is pretty much unmatched and I’d image they’re kept busy enough between their distillery and independent bottlings, but apparently they found some spare time for a new project. The result is the SRV5 Blended Malt. Today we’ll be reviewing Batch 2.
SRV5 stands for Station Road Vat 5 and is the brothers’ blending vat. Or more to the point, a 1200-litre solera vat that they never fully empty, but instead topped up after each batch. They remove no more than two-thirds of the spirit from Vat 5, which amounts to roughly 800 bottles per batch, leaving 450 litres in the vat as a ‘starter’ for the following batch.
As they explain in detail on their website, the Thompson Brothers’ goal with the SRV5 was to create a blended malt that (although consistent) would evolve over time. “We wanted to create a style that we, as whisky geeks, would enjoy. We work with a selection of North Highland, Islay and Speyside Single Malts to create a vatted malt which is bright and fresh and has a great slightly waxy mouthfeel and gentle smokey balance.”
It’s certainly not the first time a solera vat was used by a Scotch whisky company. Famously, the Glenfiddich 15 Years Solera Reserve is made since 1998 by continually topping up a massive solera vat. And the Syndicate 58/6 12 Years is another such example. But it’s a relatively rare practice nonetheless, and it is absolutely not something you’d expect from a small independent bottler.
SRV5 Blended Malt Batch 2 (48.5%, Thompson Brothers, 2022)
Nose: Just a sliver of peat and soot accompanied by beeswax, and olive brine as well. Also lemon zest, apple skin and petrichor. Finally vanilla pods and a touch of banana custard with a few drops of honey.
Taste: The palate really is a continuation of the nose. Subtle smoke, bananas, green apples and a hint of grapefruit. There’s a touch of white pepper, tree sap and some brine too.
Finish: Lingering notes of mint, lemon pith and dried grass. Medium in length.
Photo: Whiskybase
